Creed (2016)

"Time takes everybody out; time's undefeated."

Sylvester Stallone looks pretty good for a man that's about 135 years old. 

Wait, he's 69? Oh Sly... Well, here's Rocky 7. 

Young boxer Adonis Johnson, son of the great Apollo Creed, seeks out guidance and training from the former World Heavyweight Champion, and rival of his father, Rocky Balboa.

'Creed' was one of those movies that just snuck up on me out of nowhere. One minute I had no idea, the next thing we have another Rocky movie just like that.

I'd heard some pretty good reviews for 'Creed' and, seeing as I'm a massive fan of the 'Rocky' franchise on a whole, I was curious to see what I was in for having only seen the trailer once.

Straight from the get go, this doesn't exactly feel like a Rocky movie. It's modern and it's new and it makes a point of getting that vibe nailed from the start. 

The film follows a similar story to the first Rocky film. Stripped back, you have the underdog with potential that has to train to over come the odds. There is the added layer and dynamic of having Apollo Creed's son as the lead but in essence it's taking us back to where it all began. 

The story itself is simple, how far can you really stray in a Rocky movie, however that's not what is important. It is in the themes and the characters that it develops and explores that makes it so compelling. The film is centred around Adonis Johnson, son of Apollo Creed, played by Michael B. Jordan and he has a lot of potential to be a great young actor. I first saw him in 'Fruitvale Station' last year and marked him as one to watch. In 'Creed', he is physically built to destroy with his chiselled physique and quick jabs but what is all the more compelling is the idea that he is constantly fighting in the shadow of his father. An idea that is present in the last Rocky film. It is interesting to watch him battle with his own reputation and self worth and the pressure that his fathers name has on those elements. Michael B. Jordan gives a solid performance as the underdog but the biggest surprise for me was Sylvester Stallone. It's his performance that essentially steals the show. His predicament and his story were always going to be the more interesting of the two to watch but it is his handling of it alongside writer/director Ryan Coogler's direction that makes it so arresting. 

For the first time ever, I've come out of a movie with Sylvester Stallone in it and thought he gave a great performance, perhaps even the best performance of the film. He's been in some great movies but, let's face it, he's no Anthony Hopkins. In 'Creed' he gives a sincere, mature, complex and measured performance as an older and more fragile Rocky Balboa. He sinks back into that role so comfortably, he's the same old rocky but, at the same time, he's evolved as a character. He's got the same charm and charisma but with a more melancholic tone. We go to some deep places with him along the way and you genuinely feel moved at points. You sometimes get the feeling that he's not even trying to act anymore, he's in the moment as that character and he's all the better for it. He's reflective not just as a character but as an actor as well, you get the sense in certain scenes that he's looking back on his own life and legacy and I think this performance secures Stallone's legacy far better than 'The Expendables' ever could. Plus, you can understand him in this film which is always a bonus.

It feels modern and exciting. It takes some risks and tries new things in an attempt to reinvigorate the franchise. One scene in particular that I loved was one of Adonis' first fights, it is an extremely long shot that takes you into the ring and into the fight without cutting. You get swept away into a whirlwind and you get a visceral feel for what it could be like in the ring, standing toe to toe with a monster of a fighter wanting to smash your face in. It takes on a few different styles like this and it pays off.

All of these details give you a more in-depth look at the boxing circuit and the life of those involved which was engaging and thought-provoking. 

The film itself isn't a masterpiece by any stretch of the imagination but it is a genuinely enjoyable film that will move you and entertain you. It's one of my favourite entries into the Rocky franchise since the original three and has given what is a relatively stale franchise a new lease of life. It now has the scope to carry on the series (if that's the way they are going) without the pressures of keeping it within the traditional template that the Rocky franchise has trademarked and, unfortunately, beaten to death. More importantly, having Sylvester Stallone passing on the torch to Michael B. Jordan is the end of an era and feels like a fitting and respectful end to his reign. I don't think we should expect to see Rocky limping into the ring with a walking stick to battle for the title when he's in his 90's, we'll save that for 'The Expendables 9'.

It has its moment of pure and unadulterated cheesiness that only a Rocky film could get away with but that's all part of the fun. You couldn't have a Rocky film without fulfilling the quota of traditions but it doesn't rely on them like a lot of remakes have done recently. 'Star Wars: The Force Awakens' was the perfect example of this. Relying purely on nostalgia and past merits rather than taking the story, the characters and the series in a different direction. It doesn't need to be 100% new, 'Creed' proves this with it's subtle nods to the original but it strides on ahead and carves its own path. You can satisfy the nostalgic memories and still make a film that feels fresh. You have to evolve characters and try new things to keep a franchise alive rather than flogging an already dead horse. 

Overall, 'Creed' took me by surprise. It's fresh yet familiar, it's mature yet youthful and it's sombre but entertaining. The constant mirroring of Stallone and Jordan is a joy to watch. Sylvester Stallone gives the performance of his career and there is a lot of hope for Michael B. Jordan. It's no masterpiece but it's a solid entry into the Rocky franchise and still manages to stand on it's own as a film in its own right.

I have a new found respect for Sylvester Stallone after this, it took a lot after seeing him sell his soul for a loaf of Warburtons bread...

The Revenant (2016)

"As long as you can still grab a breath, you fight. 

You breathe... keep breathing."

Leo takes on a bear...

After being mauled by a bear and left for dead by his own hunting team, Hugh Glass must fight for survival. 

Well, I eventually got my Cineworld card back up and running and I finally got to see 'The Revenant' after months of waiting. Really, like months...

'The Revenant' is gritty, realistic and hard hitting. It's a painful film to watch and is an experience that was meant for cinema. 

It is a very masculine film lead by men with a raw, almost animalistic, edge to it. It feels primal and visceral and really makes the violence and the pain all too real. 

Based loosely on a true story, I was curious to see what the film had to offer. Partly because of the rumours that have been circulating about how harsh the filmmaking process had been on the cast and crew and, after seeing the film, it's easy to see why. Just about everything you see is real and most of the effects are done in-camera which helps the film immensely. You believe it because you are genuinely seeing it, when DiCaprio is wading into an icy river, he is actually wading into an icy river. You just couldn't have made this film without that commitment to realism, the actors feel it and so do you. The hardcore shooting style emphasises the reality of the situations that the characters find themselves in and raises the stakes tenfold. 

Director Alejandro González Iñárritu, alongside a phenomenal team, creates a world that feels grown rather than built. Everything they create and build looks natural, as if it's been there for years. From the costumes to the art department, it all blends together in perfect harmony to make you forget you are watching a film as the drama takes hold and the fight to survive begins. 

Of all the years that DiCaprio has been nominated for an Oscar, this is the only year where I wholeheartedly think he should win Best Actor. With his commitment to the role, his badass beard and the performance he gives, he deserves that recognition. You feel every moment with him and through his eyes you are pulled into his damaged psyche. He claws to life by his fingernails and, with his broken body, he crawls through hell in the process.

Tom Hardy also gives a stand-out performance as the cold-hearted John Fitzgerald. His performance, although different to DiCaprio's, is still transformative. He has scenes that would make any actor worth their salt quiver but he takes it in his stride. 

The cinematography by the great Emmanuel Lubezki ('Children of Men', 'Gravity', 'Tree of Life') is something to behold. Each landscape could be a painting and the long and violently choreographed set pieces are a work of art in their own way. Not only is it a beautiful film to look at but the way it is shot really drags you into the world they are creating. 

My only issue with the film is that it does feel a little overly long. It has some fast paced storytelling in parts but really slows down in other sections. Not that a slow pace is a negative, it just elongates what is already a really long film. 

The film walks a thin line between art and entertainment and, for me anyway, it strikes the perfect balance. It keeps us on the edge of our seats while making us think with the themes and ideas that it is throwing our way. It battles with man vs nature, revenge and a whole list of other large and destructive themes. It is rare that Hollywood produces a large budget film of this calibre without giving up the passion and integrity of the project. It's not a sequel or part of a franchise, it stands on it's own two feet and I'd love to see more films like this.

Overall, 'The Revenant' is a fantastic piece of filmmaking with great performances and a raw and unflinching story. It is beautiful yet horrific and will sweep you away in its cinematic grandeur.

I don't know what else Leonardo Di Caprio could have done in 'The Revenant' to secure him an Oscar win. Maybe if he fought a live bear it would increase his chances... After seeing him in this film, I think he'd put up a good fight.

The Omen (1976)

"Look at me, Damien!

It's all for you."

Mysterious deaths surround the American Ambassador as he begins to suspect that his own son may be the anti-christ.

Happy New Year!

A relaxing break, starting a new job, and some issues renewing my Cineworld card means that, despite it being the second Tuesday of the year, this is my first blog of 2016! However, that hasn't stopped me watching! 

The original 'The Omen' is a film that has always been in my peripherals but, for one reason or another, has constantly eluded me. I'm positive that I saw it when I was young and I definitely remember the wimpy 2006 remake when it came out so I figured it was about time to revisit the horror classic. 

What followed was all I expected and more. 

'The Omen' takes us back to a golden age of horror. Blood and gore wasn't relied on, jump scares were minimal and slow burn horror was at its peak. We are softly introduced to our story with a stillborn child being replaced by another newborn baby, whose mother coincidentally died in childbirth. As the plot thickens, we discover that there is more to this young child than meets the eye...

It reminds me somewhat of a lovechild of 'Rosemary's Baby' and 'The Exorcist'. It manages to combine the slow burn of 'Rosemary's Baby' with the dramatic and shocking horror of 'The Exorcist'. It is theatrical, over the top, fantastic filmmaking and stays with you long after you've seen it.

What I loved about 'The Omen' was its attention to detail and its raw storytelling. Despite the slow opening to the film, it has a no holds barred approach that can shock and awe you. There is a constant contrast in tone and pace that always keeps you guessing while hanging you right on the edge of your seat. This unpredictability adds a sense of overarching dread that you just can't shake. It hangs over the film like a disease and makes for a really uncomfortably tense experience... In a good way.

The fact that Gregory Peck is at the helm of this horror beast lends a certain credibility to the film and the story itself. It is a hugely theatrical and almost pantomime idea and plot but it is acted and directed in a believable and realistic way to really bring home the horror. Peck brings a certain charm and charisma to the character that could be lost in another actor. This commitment to bringing a human and believable edge to what could have been a farcical film in other hands makes it all the more effective. 

Harvey Stephens, who plays the evil child Damien, is perfect in the role. He's got just enough personality to counteract the absolutely evil scenarios that he creates. Not only that but he's a spooky little dude, if he was my son I'd assume the worst too.

The extremely dramatic and haunting score by Jerry Goldsmith becomes a character in itself as it personifies the evil in the film through music. 

The whole film has dated but not in a terrible way. Sure, the fashion is very retro and the style of the shooting sometimes feels out of date but, at it's core, it elevates itself from the ageing process through the ideas and themes it explores. We examine evil itself, religion, nature vs nurture and a whole host of other timeless and important concepts.

Something that I don't often talk about in my reviews is the editing. Being an editor myself, I believe that if its good editing then you shouldn't even notice it. However, there are films where it warrants a mention and 'The Omen' is one of those films. From the pace to the style, it seamlessly blends contrasting ideas and scenes to a whirlwind finale. The quick cutting flare after a slow and steady scene throws us off balance and really makes for some exciting cutting. Excuse my geekiness.

Overall, 'The Omen' is a classic for a reason and I regret not having seen it for all these years. If you're in the mood for some good old fashioned horror then don't bother with the remake and go straight to where it all began... With the number of the beast.

Now, which should I see first... 'The Hateful Eight' or 'The Revenant'.

Top Ten Movies of 2015

It's been a phenomenal year for movies and I've only managed to see 61 overall. There have been highs and lows and, on the whole, I've had a lot of thrills, laughs and even shed a few tears.

I always like to end a year on a high note so, seeing as I've posted my worst movies of the year, I thought I'd get on to what I thought were the best films of 2015. 

Before I get down to my list, I thought I'd share a few special mentions.

Most underrated film of 2015

The Good Dinosaur

With a lack of marketing from Disney and Pixar and rumours of production problems, I was more than hesitant going in to 'The Good Dinosaur'. It turns out my hesitation was misplaced as it was a fantastic little film. Whatever the main problems were in production, it didn't affect the final product too much at all. It has some issues but nothing worth grumbling about as the animation is among the best I've ever seen and it is a truly heartwarming story. Only Pixar could pull off a human being the only character that doesn't speak English. Centred around the idea that the meteor that killed the dinosaurs missed earth altogether, you'll laugh and cry at this touching prehistoric tale. 

Biggest surprise of 2015

Krampus

'Krampus' was a late entry to the year, being that it was a Christmas film, and took me by surprise. This Christmas horror/comedy had chills and dark imagery alongside jokes and Christmas. It manages to effectively give us both aspects without diluting either and is a good time for both horror and comedy fans alike. Krampus is the seasonal demon that you don't want coming down your chimney and the unwitting family that accidentally summoned him have to fight to last the night.

Now let's get down to the list!

10. The Martian

'The Martian' wasn't without its flaws but, overall, it was a strong and personal film by Ridley Scott. Despite the grandeur of space travel, it was actually a small character driven piece featuring a charismatic and engaging performance from Matt Damon simply fighting to stay alive. It discussed a lot of interesting ideas and themes and managed to be really entertaining as well. Even though the last act slightly let the film down, I still admired what it was doing and doesn't change my opinion too much. Check it out, even just for the cool science. Move over Bill Nye, Matt Damon is the science guy now. 

9. The Gift

Secrets, secrets and even more secrets... 'The Gift' is a well thought out and well paced film. It gives us enough information at the beginning to hook our curiosity so that it can start with a slow build up. Just when the film feels like it might be lagging, there is an event that ups the ante and keeps you guessing. It ends when it should end and leaves us with a lot of unanswered questions which is great. It's a clever and psychological film that goes the extra mile for the audience. It could have taken the easy road and become a bland and predictable thriller but it does its best to elevate itself from what has become a bit of a stale genre. It's the essence of what a psychological thriller should be. It's not a white knuckle ride but it gets under your fingernails and stays there. It entertains you, it creeps you out and makes you think. 

8. No Escape

Coming in at number 8 is 'No Escape'. If a thriller can literally keep you on the edge of your seat then it has done its job well. Owen Wilson gives an unexpected performance as a father keeping his family together in a horrific tragedy that strikes them when they are on holiday. It feels old school in its delivery with twists and turns and almost Hitchcockian with the layers of tension and danger it creates. Its ridiculous but it's just on the verge of being believable and that is what makes 'No Escape' so much fun. I've never heard so many gasps in a cinema and it is a testament to the film that you genuinely care about the outcome for the unsuspecting family. 

7. John Wick

A real return to form for Keanu Reeves, 'John Wick' is the action film of the year and took me by surprise when I saw it. The film itself is a bit cheesy at times but in a playful way that actually seems to work in the film. There are lines of humorous dialogue and scenes that are totally ridiculous but are absolutely believable in the world that the film creates. It's great fun and is a white knuckle ride that doesn't let up. It creates a unique world that you can immerse yourself in and has some high voltage fight sequences that put Liam Neeson to shame. 

6. The Good Dinosaur

It should come as no surprise that 'The Good Dinosaur' is among my selected films as I thought it was the most underrated film of 2015. It's touching, brilliantly made and fun for the whole family. What more could you want?

5. The Salvation

'The Salvation' is nothing new but, in it's own way, feels both modern and classic. It's full of realism and dark themes but it still knows what type of film it is. It plays to the strengths of the western and takes some interesting and creative choices within the confines of that genre. It boasts a great cast with some breathtaking cinematography. 

It is as hard hitting as it is violent. You feel every punch and gunshot as if you were standing mere feet away and that really brings it home for an audience. If you're a western fan then you won't find anything new here but it's a well executed western that's tough and mean and definitely isn't to be missed.

4. Ex Machina

‘Ex Machina’ is an intelligent, entertaining and thought-provoking journey that allows the audience to see things from a different perspective. It poses some profound questions and ideas such as the meaning and creation of life, the line between man and machine and where our species as a whole is headed. I feel like this is the film Stanley Kubrick would have made if he had lived to make 'A.I.' which Spielberg made in 2001 in tribute to him.

There was a surprising amount of tension in the film that I was not expecting. There are layers upon layers of deceptions and emotional conflicts that the characters, and the audience have to try and manoeuvre through to get to the truth. Each character in the film has their own agenda and they develop as the plot does.

Combining some clever twists and turns with intelligent ideas and an intriguing plot makes ‘Ex Machina’ an extremely enjoyable watch that will, ultimately, leave you with a lot to think about. 

3. Southpaw

Crunching in at number 3 comes the animalistic 'Southpaw'.

'Southpaw' is a hard film to get through at points. It seems to go from bad to worse and then from worse to rock bottom... then at rock bottom there's six feet of shit. 

You care for the characters which makes all the difference in a film like this. You can relate to a lot of the struggles that each of the characters are going through and the climax of the film is like a large exhale of stress and emotions. The story itself is relatively predictable but, as cliché as it sounds, it's about the journey, not the destination. You are invested in the characters and are going through their hardships with them. There are some heartbreaking scenes that will really hit you where you live and tug at those heart strings. 

If you are looking for an all out fighting film then 'Southpaw' may disappoint. Granted, the boxing and the training that you see on screen is some of the most realistic that I've ever seen but this isn't 'Rocky'. It's a film about an extremely unstable man who is dealing with grief in the only way he knows how, by fighting. 

Jake Gyllenhaal may steal the show with his physical transformation as an actor before the film, but it is his transformation as a character that is the most impressive to watch. 

2. A Most Violent Year

With a Godfather-esque tone and pace, director J.C. Chandor creates a stylish, tense, challenging and engaging film about one mans fight to stay noble in an amoral world. It is a slow burner with outstanding writing, cinematography, acting and direction. The film features a powerhouse performance from Oscar Isaac that is nuanced, powerful and charismatic. Without such a stellar cast, I think the film could have easily collapsed in on itself. The acting calibre is strong enough to engage you in the lengthy dialogue scenes and pulls you into the drama of the story, making 'A Most Violent Year' a character piece that will stay with you long after you've seen it. 

1. Inside Out

My absolute number one film of the year has to be 'Inside Out'. It is an extremely intelligent film that is perfect for adults and children alike. You can relate to the film on so many levels. There is the perfect balance between humour and emotion and it really allows you to reflect on your own emotions and experiences. 

It tends to just go without saying but, as always, the animation is simply breathtaking. Every single detail is carefully constructed and everything in the world that the film creates is natural and authentic. You are totally and utterly absorbed by the story and the characters that you don't even notice the animation. Which is the true test of an animated film. 

Overall, 'Inside Out' is an instant classic and I can't recommend it enough. It breaks down some tough ideas and concepts that make it easier to swallow and absorb. It's extremely clever, brilliantly written and will make you laugh a lot. You may even shed a tear. 

If you don't relate to this film on at least one level or another then I think you may have to get tested... Just incase you're a serial killer. 

That brings 2015 to an end! 

I hope you enjoyed reading this blog and any others you may have throughout the year. Did you agree with my list?

Here's to a great year of films in 2016!

Star Wars: The Force Awakens (2015)

"There's been an awakening. Have you felt it? 

The Dark side, and the Light."

Well, it's definitely better than the prequels...

I don't think there's a single person in the world that doesn't know that the new Star Wars film was released this weekend. Whether you're a fan or not, it's been everywhere.
It has officially broken the record for biggest opening weekend ever, taking a colossal $528,000,000 worldwide brings it just over the 'Jurassic World' record of $525,000,000. It's not hard to believe when you hear the hype surrounding it.
I wasn't particularly wanting to battle to go on opening weekend but, as it turned out, it wasn't actually that hard to get tickets seeing as it was showing every 15 minutes.

The trailers didn't give much away, which is a rarity in this day and age, and people were relatively hush hush about giving away spoilers for the film. I settled down and opened my mind for a trip down nostalgia lane and an adventure worth the hype and anticipation. 

Unfortunately, I couldn't help but feel slightly underwhelmed. 

In comparison to the prequels, there's no competition. It has a lot of humour and wit which is what is blatantly missing from the prequels. With likable and relatable characters, they manage to do in 20 minutes what the prequels failed to do in 3 movies.
I enjoyed the tone that they were going for, the slightly mysterious edge with an upbeat feel overall. You can tell that J.J. Abrams had a lot of fun making this film and it shows in a lot of the scenes. 

It has a lot going for it but definitely has a lot of unavoidable flaws that create a disappointingly safe sequel.

From the opening, I was swept away in a wave of nostalgia and memories as we are thrown back into the familiar world that Lucas created so many years ago. For all it is familiar, it's different but it's up to date and that's a good thing. As the plot develops and we sink into the story and the new characters, this is when my rose tinted 3D glasses started cracking and I became less and less hopeful with where the film was headed.

For me, this was the perfect opportunity to reinvent the Star Wars franchise and take it in a fresh direction. We've had the original trilogy, the disastrous prequels and now we could have a new story with new characters in a new Star Wars universe. However, it boils down to a recycled plot that we've seen before with a lot of fan service. 
For me, it relies too heavily on the original trilogy and the nostalgia factor for a lot of fans. I would have rather seen a few subtle nods to the original but with a whole new story. It ends up being 50% throwbacks and 50% remix of 'A New Hope'. I'm hoping that this is purely just because it is the first chapter in the new story and there's more to come but, as a stand alone film, it feels like an extremely safe and underwhelming first step into the new Star Wars franchise. 

I was hoping to see a smaller scale story to open the series, with some more intrigue, mythology and story. The plot seems stitched together to accommodate various elements rather than a natural and organic flow that drags you into the world and the characters. I was constantly taken out of the plot because of the fan service and throwbacks to the original trilogy. I couldn't enjoy the story because I was constantly reminded that I was watching a Star Wars movie. I feel this is a trend that has appeared in most remakes/reboots of late. 'Terminator Genysis' suffered from the same problem. It's like studios are afraid of new movies and stories so revert to remaking an old favourite, which is fair enough, we all enjoy these movies so why not have a modern retelling? The only problem is that it ends up just feeling like a greatest hits, we spend too much time looking back on the original films rather than grabbing them by the balls and making something brand new and exciting.

The performances, on the whole were good. I thought Oscar Isaac as Po was great and obviously Harrison Ford returning to his role as Han Solo was fantastic. Adam Driver brought a more human performance to the villain Kylo Ren and I'll be curious to see where the character goes in the next instalments. 

I thought Daisy Ridley as Rey struggled. There was a lot of overacting and a lack of likability in her performance. Her chemistry with Finn and BB-8 felt forced which slightly put me off her as the main character. Although, it was nice to see an interesting female lead for a change. This may just be teething problems with a new cast member in, what is set to be, a huge set of movies.

It's clear that BB-8 is Disney's addition as the biggest toy this Christmas and they certainly know how to market their characters. He's the cute and silly sidekick that is the new and improved R2-D2 for a modern audience. Despite the blatant fact that he's mostly in the movie to sell toys to kids, I was so impressed that he was created practically where possible and only enhanced with CGI. It brings him alive as a character and reminds us of why we loved R2-D2 in the original trilogy. 

This leads me to my largest gripe with the film. I thought that the practical effects were phenomenal. You forgot that you were looking at practical effects because they blended in so naturally to the scenery and world that is created. This, unfortunately, makes a lot of the CGI look dated and fake. How they could have such great practical effects and then create characters purely from CGI is a mystery to me. The characters were not impossible to make practically so, when you have set a strong president with practical effects, why not create them with make-up and in-camera effects? The CGI stands out and looks like CGI, it will date the movie terribly in years to come.

The cinematography in 'Star Wars: The Force Awakens' is simply stunning. From the Rebel cavalry coming to the rescue or the lightsaber fight in the snow, it all looks like a painting. Daniel Mindel, who photographed 'Enemy of the State' and J.J. Abrams 'Star Trek', manages to capture the essence of the original Star Wars films while bringing a modern twist to it.

What I loved seeing was the fact that there was a buzz in the cinema and online. 
Everyone's talking about the film and that's a wonderful thing for cinema. The fact that there is still a demand to see these films in the cinema, where they should be seen, and not just on a laptop is fantastic.

Overall, I think that most will look back retrospectively and see that it isn't as good as we've been lead to believe. It is an enjoyable movie that looks incredible but has a lot of issues that I just couldn't shake when watching the film. I'm not so worried about how the film ended and where the characters are going because I think that only time will tell where the next films take us and how it'll all tie in.

It's a blockbuster event movie that will please fans and newbies alike but I don't think the hype is totally valid... but it's nice seeing some atmosphere back in the cinema!

Worst Movies of 2015

Well, it's that time of year again. 2015 has been an awesome year for movies and I've managed to see 60 so far with only a few weeks left of December. 

Unfortunately, for all the good films that are released, there are always going to be bad films to balance out the year.

It's time for me to reflect on the year. I've made up my picks for the worst films of the year but, before that, I've chosen two special mentions. 

Most overrated film of 2015

Jurassic World

Ultimately, 'Jurassic World' is generic. It's a relatively good time as far as blockbusters go but I wouldn't look too deep. It has some laughs and there are enough dinosaurs to keep you occupied but as far as being on the same level as 'Jurassic Park', it isn't even in the same league. There's not much of an attempt to do anything spectacular with the film to make it different or unique. Instead, there's a big dinosaur that is set loose in the park with an excessive amount of CGI. This was a fantastic opportunity to breath life into a dead franchise and return it to the glory of the original film, to capture some of that magic with technology they didn't have in 1993. They could have taken it in so many different directions with the park being opened up but instead they go the easy route of just having a big, DNA spliced, CGI dinosaur to wreck havoc.

I found it ironic that the film itself is centred around the parks issue of bringing in more customers by creating this super-mega-ultra dinosaur. Everything has to be bigger and better and it backfires on them. This seems to be the case with 'Jurassic World' because after the first three movies, instead of coming up with something original and innovative, they just opt for a bigger dinosaur than the last in a desperate attempt to bring in cinema goers. Unfortunately, it broke the box office records so there will no doubt be another 4 or 5 of these to look forward to.

Biggest let down of 2015

Crimson Peak

'Crimson Peak' was definitely the biggest let down of the year. I was so looking forward to Del Toro's new masterpiece but it wasn't nearly as great as I was hoping it was going to be. Despite being a beautiful film to look at, it's undeniably a let down. It had all the potential to be a great film but squanders it on an over-complicated, benign and dull plot. Guillermo Del Toro gave us 'Pan's Labyrinth' and I was hoping this was going to top that masterpiece but it seems I was expecting too much.

It is a confusing and convoluted story that boasts a unique plot twist that turns out to be a massive disappointment. For the entirety of the film we are wanting to discover what the answer to the mystery is but, at the crucial moment, we don't really care that much. It is a pretty boring and unoriginal "twist" that made my stomach sink. I kept waiting for something more but more never comes. It gets more and more ridiculous by the end and I was totally out of the film by the big finale. 

'Crimson Peak' isn't a horror film, I'd say it was more of a gothic romance tale, despite the misleading marketing of the film. I was searching for the deeper meaning and trying to dissect it in a different way because I wanted so much to enjoy this film but, conclusively, it's not scary, it's a bit predictable and feels a little pointless.

Let's get down to the list. These are my own personal choices for the worst of 2015 and I'm pretty sure there will be a few that will be in dispute but that's all part of the fun!

Here we go.

10. Focus

For a film called 'Focus', ironically, that was exactly what the film lacked. It was a film that had a serious amount of potential but ultimately didn't deliver. It felt more like a vehicle for Will Smith rather than a smart, sexy movie about a con artist couple. It was confused, convoluted and not nearly as intelligent as it thought it was. If you could make it through the dreadful romance plot then you would make it to an ending that claimed to have fooled you but, in reality, just irritated you.

9. Kill Your Friends

'Kill Your Friends' was unoriginal, tiresome, terribly executed and, in all honesty, badly acted. This film is simply a combination of different films that have been repackaged in an attempt to make us forget that we have already seen it. It poorly imitates them and fails to come up with something original. It'll leave a bad aftertaste in your mouth and make you wish you'd just watched 'American Psycho' instead.

8. Insidious: Chapter 3

Overall, 'Insidious: Chapter 3' is a piece of horror trash that will make you jump but pretty much nothing else. The best ideas in the film are either totally ruined by cheap scares or not explored enough to be of any value. There are endless plot holes and problems that you could pick apart for days but, in the end, it's not even worth the effort... 

'Insidious: Chapter 3' is a film that has been designed for money making. It's a 15 rated horror flick to bring teenagers into the cinema so that they can rake in the money on tickets and popcorn. It was an insulting film for any horror fan and is one of the reasons why the genre has so little respect.

7. Poltergeist

This badly thrown together remake with predictable jump scares was made purely to cash in on a 30 year old movie's good reputation.

It's a horror film that's not scary and that's pretty much what it boils down to.
As a remake, it doesn't do anything new and just recycles all the out of date cliches in a cheap money grab. I felt robbed at the end of this movie which is not the best way to feel coming out of the cinema...

6. Terminator Genisys

I am a die hard fan of the James Cameron films so 'Terminator Genisys' inevitably had a lot to live up to. Despite being associated with the terminator franchise, I think if you look at it as a stand alone film it still doesn't stack up too well.

It managed to take everything that you loved about the original two films, totally erase them from the timeline and then replace them with a boring, CGI ridden mess that is unoriginal, pointless and unintelligent. Playing like Schwarzenegger's greatest hits, it was a sad reminder of how great the original films were and how far we've strayed from them. Re-living scenes that you've seen in a better film is no way to enjoy a movie, I'd rather just watch the original classic and be done with all these remakes. 

5. It Follows

This is a strange film that has ended up on my list because it seems that it has appeared on a lot of top ten lists instead. For me, 'It Follows' was a horror with no horror, it's a sexually transmitted ghost that will follow you wherever you are. It was obviously a throwback to the horror movies of the 80's but fails to actually deliver on any of the levels that the 80's horrors do. The plot leaves hints and unanswered questions but, at the end of the day, you don't end up being that interested in finding out the answers. What's the point in all the mystery if we're not even slightly interested in solving it? 

Maybe this is one that's flown straight over my head but if you have to look that deep to find the good in a horror film then surely that can't be a positive?

4. Spectre 

Sexist, dull, convoluted, out of date and a bit boring. 'Spectre' is the 24th instalment in the Bond series and quite possibly one of the worst in my opinion. The whole film feels like a cheap rip off of James Bond. Bad writing, horrendous characters, dull performances and lazy filmmaking makes 'Spectre' unoriginal, lifeless and pretty tiresome.

I could have forgiven all of the flaws of the flaccid and tired 'Spectre' if it was, at the very least, a bit of fun. However, it's the fact that it takes itself so seriously that makes it even harder to swallow. It is so full of its own self importance that it forgets that it has to be backed up with a quality film. I think it's time for the Bond series to take a breather and re-assess its place in modern cinema and examine how it can move with the times. 

3. Unfriended

Where do you start with a film like 'Unfriended'... It is a film set entirely on the laptop of an infuriating teenage girl who is Skyping her even more irritating friends when a mysterious user decides to kill them all one by one. The premise alone should have been an indicator to the quality of this film. It was so focused on whether or not it could tell the story in this way rather than if it should. 

When you strip away the annoying gimmick of having it all set on a laptop screen, it had shallow and irritating characters, a stale and clichéd plot, terrible tension, zero horror and is predictable right up to the end. It is a shameful addition to the horror genre and I genuinely don't ever want to have to sit through it again. Ever.

2. Jupiter Ascending

A huge and nonsensical film that is confused, convoluted, hollow and contrived. Some movies are so bad that they are good... However this film is just so bad that it's terrible. You've got crazy performances like Eddie Redmayne playing a pantomime villain alongside bland and forgettable performances from Channing Tatum and Mila Kunis. The plot is so overly complicated in a wild attempt at grandeur that it becomes ridiculous.  It's an overblown CGI-fest that looks as fake as the enthusiasm from the actors in the film. All the money in the world couldn't save this train wreck and there was a lot of it... $176,000,000...

1. Knock Knock 

Coming in at number one is 'Knock Knock'. There are no redeeming qualities for this movie. A home invasion "horror" that makes no sense, has a horrific performance from respected actor Keanu Reeves and makes a mockery of every audience member in the cinema. It's like a B-movie disaster without any of the fun or any of the horror. It plays like a bad student film and is so ludicrous that I'm shocked it was allowed to be released. I really have no idea what they were going for with this film, it has no motivation or any idea where it's going. It's not funny, so it can't be a black comedy... It's not scary or tense, so it can't be a thriller or a horror... So what is it? 

It was monotonous to watch and made me think of all the things I'd rather be doing with my life than watching this fiasco. Abysmal writing, appalling acting and horrendous filmmaking makes 'Knock Knock' my pick for worst film of the year.

I hope you have enjoyed reading my picks for worst films of the year, did you agree with my list? 

Or was I way off?

Either way, it's been an interesting year for films so stay tuned for my top ten films of 2015!